The former One Direction member was reportedly under the influence of dangerous substances at the time of his tragic death.
British singer and former One Direction member Liam Payne, 31, died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Authorities believe Payne had taken powerful hallucinogenic drugs before the fatal incident.
Police reported that Payne had been using “Cristal,” a highly dangerous drug known for causing severe mood swings and aggressive behavior. Toxicology tests on substances and medications found in his hotel room are pending, but officials suspect he was under the influence of multiple drugs when he fell.
Emergency services were called to the hotel after staff described Payne as “an aggressive man overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol.” According to police, Payne jumped from his balcony, leading to his death. When authorities entered his hotel suite, they discovered a chaotic scene with broken objects and various drugs scattered around. Among the substances found were packs of clonazepam, energy supplements, and over-the-counter medications.
Forensic teams also recovered a whiskey bottle, lighter, and cell phone near his body in the courtyard. Investigators noted that the lack of defensive injuries suggested Payne may have been semi-conscious or unconscious when he fell.
Photos from Liam Payne’s hotel room in Argentina, where he met his tragic end
You can see drugs and damage throughout the hotel room pic.twitter.com/hm6zWRSyBB
— keep6ixsolid (@keep6ixsolid) October 16, 2024
Payne had openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse in the past. In a 2021 appearance on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast, he reflected on his battles, saying, “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be… I’m very good at hiding it. No one would ever have seen it.”
Despite claiming sobriety earlier this year, sources indicated that Payne had been grappling with significant drug addiction leading up to his death. He had previously undergone multiple stints in rehab and had expressed suicidal thoughts throughout his career.
Fans have gathered outside the hotel, leaving flowers and candles in memory of the singer. Payne’s former One Direction bandmates expressed their heartbreak over his passing, asking for privacy as they mourn their friend. The investigation into the circumstances of Payne’s death remains ongoing.